Honda will officially enter the FIA World Touring Car Championship with recently redesigned 2012 Civic. Interestingly, it will be the European version hitting the track, not the U.S.-spec model.

Powering these compact racers will be a bespoke 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four, developed by Honda R&D in accordance with FIA’s Super 2000 regulations. Modifications have also been made in partnership with Mugen and J.A.S. Motorsport.

“We have made a decision” said Honda CEO, Takanobu Ito “to enter into the WTCC with the European Civic. We will develop a totally new engine for this project and we are all excited about starting this new challenge.”

Honda is expected to join the WTCC later this year, either in Japan, China or Macau. The automaker plans to compete in every race during the 2013 season.

Racing has always been heavily involved in racing. In the late 1950s Honda first entered the Isle of man T.T and then Formula 1 in the 1960s. Honda sees the WTCC as the next chapter in a ongoing commitment to motorsports.

The Suzuki Regina Concept, which made its debut at the Tokyo Auto Show last year, has officially been renamed and will make an appearance at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. When it goes on stage, the new Suzuki G70 will have a few updates to set itself apart from the Regina, but its three-cylinder powertrain is likely to remain unchanged.

The G70 is a small five-door that weight just 730kg and has a drag coefficient at least 10 percent lower than that of a current Suzuki ‘A’ segment model. Its small engine is of course highly efficient, producing 70g/km of carbon emissions.

There’s been no word yet on output or other powertrain specs, but the name change could mean that Suzuki is seriously considering putting this vehicle into production.

Other Suzukis making it to Geneva include the Swift Range Extender, Suzuki’s latest endeavor in hybrid vehicle technology. The Swift Range Extender was first shown at the Geneva Show in 2010 and, since then, has undergone further development which has resulted in a 100 percent improvement in battery driving range to around 19 miles.

Citing data from technology research firm Gartner, CleanFleetReport.com predicts that sales of plug-in vehicles in the U.S. will increase more than fivefold this year to 100,000 units.

That number represents significant growth considering that only 18,0000 plug-ins were sold in the U.S. in 2011. But with wider availability of the Nissan Leaf and Chevy  Volt, not to mention the arrival of the Mitsubishi i and Ford’s new Focus Electric, demand is certainly expected to rise.

“The 100,000 unit number isn’t our formal forecast,” said Thilo Koslowski, Vice President of Gartner’s Automotive and Vehicle Practice. “The number is what you arrive at based on manufacturers’ plans/expectations for 2012.  I believe this number is rather ambitious and actual new EV and plug-in vehicle sales for 2012 will probably be around 40,000 to 60,000 vehicles.”

Although plug-in sales remain somewhat modest compared to other vehicle segments, competition will also help to encourage more early adopters. Eventually, with more sales, the cost of owning one these vehicles will also help broaden their appeal.

Although the Geneva Motor Show is still over a month away, the buzz is already brewing around Infinti’s latest concept. The automaker plans to unveil its first-ever extended-range electric sports car dubbed the Emerg-e.

Although few details are available just yet, the Infiniti Emerg-e will be a two-seater with an extended range powertrain, meaning it will have electric motors that drive the wheels and a gasoline engine that will charge the battery when it’s low on electricity (think Chevrolet Volt). Naturally it will offer strong mileage, but Infiniti also promises it will offer spirited performance and responsive driving dynamics as well.

The powertrain will be mounted mid-ship to aid weight distribution and improve handling. Lotus was also involved in the development of the Emerg-e’s suspension and chassis which ensures it will be able to tackle corners with confidence. Should this concept make it into production, it’s expected to take on the likes of the BMW Z4.

Infiniti has certainly set its sights on producing more performance cars with advanced powertrains. Already the brand sells the world’s fastest hybrid and the Emerg-e arrives on the heels of Infinti’s beloved 600-horsepower Essence hybrid concept.

Learn a little more about the development of the Emerg-e via the video below.

Click here to view the embedded video.

There’s been a slew of clever new super bowl ads lately, but the latest spot for Acura might just be the best. The commercial features comedian, and loyal Porsche collector, trying to become the very first owner of the next-generation NSX. Sadly, Seinfeld ends up taking a backseat to none other than Jay Leno.

Acura isn’t expected to begin selling the NSX until 2015, but auto enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting its arrival. Over the years there has been plenty of talk about its successor, but the on-again, off-again project has delayed its arrival. Luckily, the car is finally on its way, which is why Acura was willing to spend millions of dollars producing a Super Bowl commercial to keep enthusiasts swooning.

“Acura has a specific plan in place across all communication channels to build off of the first round of product news announced at the North American International Auto Show. The response to the ILX, RDX and NSX supercar concept has been extremely positive,” said Susie Rossick, Acura Brand Manager. “Our Super Bowl strategies are simple—build upon the buzz created in Detroit and leverage the excitement for the future return of the legendary NSX to the Acura lineup.”

Check out the video below to see the spot in its entirety.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Some of Hyundai’s latest ads have shown off the fuel-efficiency, value, and luxury of its lineup. But for the Super Bowl, two of Hyundai’s in-game ads will be highlighting performance characteristics in an effort to bolster a brand attribute that the automaker doesn’t often emphasize.

In the 30-second “Cheetah” spot, the new 201-horsepower Hyundai Veloster Turbo is pitted against a cheetah in a race. After just a few yards into the race, the cat realizes he’s met his match as the car speeds ahead.

Hyundai’s second spot features the Genesis Coupe R-Spec. In this vignette, a young professional is driving his boss, Bob, a seasoned business pro, and listens to him as he imparts a pearl of wisdom. When Bob falls unconscious, the driver users the powerful car to revive his ailing boss.

“In developing this year’s in-game creative, we recognized the brand has built a strong reputation for great value, fuel economy, warranty, safety and quality – all the rational attributes for buying a vehicle. Typically, Hyundai hasn’t been top-of-mind with shoppers looking for performance and modern design – attributes that inspire an emotional connection,” said Steve, Shannon, vice president of Marketing, Hyundai Motor America. “However, the just-announced Veloster Turbo and restyled Genesis Coupe R-Spec supply the lineup with plenty of performance credentials for a youthful audience looking to complement great design and features with cars that are fun to drive.”

On game day, Hyundai also plans to air a new 30-second spot dubbed “Victory Lap” which celebrates the Hyundai Elantra’s new 2012 North American Car of the Year title.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Lexus has redesigned the GS to better compete with the likes of the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The automaker decided to make the sedan’s performance and styling attributes a little more aggressive this time around, and that’s certainly apparent in a new 30-second spot that’s due to run during the Super Bowl.

The new sci-fi-themed ad, dubbed “The Beast,” is the company’s first-ever Super Bowl commercial. It depicts a GS350 that’s locked up in a shipping container-like cage in a lab. The car then uses its distinctive “Lexus spindle grille” to break free. The spot also hints at the additional new vehicles Lexus will unveil later in the year, which are waiting in the wings for their turn to burst onto the scene.

“The all-new Lexus GS is showcased in this ad because it’s the first model to feature the new look of Lexus and it’s also the first of nine new or updated models we’ll launch this year,” said Brian Smith, Lexus vice president of marketing. “This spot looks very different than anything Lexus has done before and demonstrates to the 50-million-strong Super Bowl audience that 2012 will be a breakthrough year for Lexus.”

Although the ad isn’t slated to hit the airwaves until Sunday, February 5 on NBC, you can check it out ahead of time below.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Toyota hasn’t given word on whether the LF-LC 2+2 Hybrid Sport Coupe will make it to production, but that hasn’t stopped the concept from racking up awards. At the recent Detroit Auto Show, the LF-LC was named as the best concept car in the annual EyesOn Design Awards.

The EyesOn Design Awards honor the top designs of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) each year. For 2012, the LF-LC stood out in areas of Aesthetics and Innovation, Concept Implementation, Functionality, as well as in promoting the Spirit of Industrial Design.

“The LF-LC was a dream car to design and a true collaborative effort at Calty,” said Kevin Hunter, president of Calty, the Newport Beach-based studio that designed the LF-LC. “It is an honor to have that work recognized by our peers and to receive the EyesOn Design Award.”

The LF-LC was an attempt to redefine Lexus design with emotive, avant-garde beauty and advanced technology, yet still maintain a premium look. As such, the LF-LC will provide inspiration for the next-generation of Lexus vehicles, regardless of whether the concept receives the green light for production.

“The LF-LC is a striking design and breathtaking in its beauty,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “The team at Lexus quickly fell in love with this concept vehicle and it’s rewarding to see that the industry agreed. Receiving the EyesOn Design Award is a great start to what promises to be a fantastic year for Lexus.”

Godzilla keeps getting more ferocious. For 2013, the Nissan GT-R receives more power to keep pace with the world’s most powerful supercars.

The 2013 Nissan GT-R boasts 30 more horsepower than its predecessor, bringing the overall figure to 545 horsepower and 463 pound-feet of torque. All that power, combined with Godzilla’s advanced all-wheel drive system and launch control, will yield a 0-60 mph time of just 2.7 seconds.

With an update under the hood, and a revised suspension system, Nissan once again brought its latest GT-R to the Nürburgring where it covered the course in an impressive 7:20.

Other updates for the upcoming model year include a standard rear camera and a carbon fiber rear spoiler for the Black Edition.

With an increase in horsepower also comes an increase in the GT-R’s base price. For 2013, the car will start at $96,820, up from the 2012 model’s $89,950 pricetag. The Black Edition rings in at $106,320, up from $95,100 in 2012.

Find more details on the 2013 Nissan GT-R below.

2013 Nissan GT-R Press Release

Super Bowl ad space is usual snapped up by large auto brands like Audi, Honda, and Hyundai. But this year, Suzuki is jumping into the mix to promote its Kizashi sedan.

Entitled “Sled,” the new ad will be the second consecutive ad Suzuki has run during a Super Bowl. This time around, the ad will highlight the premium features and unique all-wheel-drive prowess of the 2012 Kizashi sport sedan.

“We are delighted to celebrate our successful 2011 sales year with an 11 percent increase, by once again showcasing the personality of the Suzuki brand and our award-winning Kizashi sport sedan on advertising’s biggest stage,” said Jeff Holland, director of social media, American Suzuki. “The Kizashi’s all-wheel-drive performance and luxurious interior make it the perfect choice for those looking to upgrade their ride.”

To produce the ad, Suzuki worked with advertising agency Siltanen & Partners. It’s been developed to show the the exhilaration one can receive from upgrading their ordinary daily driver with a more entertaining mode of transportation. In this case, trading in a dog-powered snow sled for a sporty 2012 Kizashi.

“The secret to any great commercial is creating a spot that captures viewers’ attention, but is also relevant and distinctive to the product and brand,” said Rob Siltanen, CEO and chief creative officer of Siltanen & Partners Advertising. “Even more during the Super Bowl, people fully expect to be entertained with a story, and I think this year’s Kizashi spot shares a classic husband and wife tale everyone can relate to.”

If you want to get a sneak peek of the ad before February 5, check it out below.

Click here to view the embedded video.